In the first road game of the young 2024 season, Ashland University's men's soccer team earned its first win of the new campaign, 1-0, at Millersville on Sunday (Sept. 8) afternoon.
The Eagles and Marauders each are 1-1 through the season's first two games. Ashland evens its all-time record vs. Millersville to 1-1-1.
In the 14
th minute, the Eagles broke the scoreless tie on a corner kick. Fifth-year midfielder
Oliver Whaley's kick found senior midfielder
Sirlem Thullah, who put in his first collegiate goal to put AU on top for the first time on the young season.
That tally turned out to be enough for senior goalkeeper
Ty Bowden and the Eagle defense. Bowden earned his 11
th career shutout after making four saves – and having a last-minute Millersville shot hit the crossbar.
IT'S EARLY, BUT…AND THE REST OF THE STORY
While the season is just two games old, there is a recent pattern developing:
- Spring 2021 – 1-1 start, Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Tournament title
- Fall 2021 – 0-1-1 start, out of postseason
- 2022 – 1-0-1 start, Great Midwest Athletic Conference Tournament title, NCAA Tournament appearance
- 2023 – 0-2 start, loss in Great Midwest Tournament semifinals
- 2024 – 1-1 start, ???
As for Sunday:
- The Eagles won despite being outshot 9-3.
- Ashland had a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks.
UP NEXT
Back to Ferguson Field on Wednesday (Sept. 11) at 6:30 p.m. vs. Gannon (1-1).
